Need a Root Canal But Don’t Have Insurance? Here’s What You Need to Know
If your dentist has recommended a root canal, you might be wondering:
How much does a root canal cost without insurance?
Are there affordable options for uninsured patients?
What’s the best way to lower my out-of-pocket costs?
A root canal is often necessary to save a damaged or infected tooth, but the cost can range from $700 to $2,500 per tooth—a major expense if you don’t have dental insurance.
The good news? There are several ways to reduce the cost of a root canal and make it more affordable.
This guide will break down the average cost of a root canal without insurance, factors that affect pricing, and the best ways to save money on your treatment.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost Without Insurance?
The cost of a root canal depends on which tooth is treated, the complexity of the procedure, and whether you see a general dentist or an endodontist (root canal specialist).
Average Cost of a Root Canal Without Insurance:
✔ Front Tooth (Incisors & Canines) – $700 to $1,500
✔ Premolars – $800 to $1,800
✔ Molars (Back Teeth) – $1,000 to $2,500
Molars are more expensive because they have more roots and require more time to treat.
Additional Costs You Should Consider:
✔ Dental Exam & X-Rays – $50 to $250
✔ Post & Core Build-Up (Strengthens the Tooth) – $150 to $350
✔ Dental Crown (Needed After Most Root Canals) – $900 to $2,500
The total cost of a root canal and crown could be between $1,500 and $5,000 per tooth.
How to Get an Affordable Root Canal Without Insurance
1. Join a Dental Membership Plan for Instant Discounts
A dental membership plan can reduce the cost of a root canal by 30-60%—without insurance.
Example Savings With a Membership Plan:
✅ Molar Root Canal: $1,200 → Membership plan covers 40% ($480), you pay $720
✅ Front Tooth Root Canal: $800 → Membership plan covers 40% ($320), you pay $480
✔ Low annual or monthly fee ($150-$400/year)
✔ Discounts on root canals, crowns, and cleanings
✔ No waiting periods, claim rejections, or hidden fees
➡ Find dentists offering membership plans at The Patient Marketplace.
2. Visit a Dental School for Discounted Root Canals
Dental schools offer root canals at a reduced cost because students perform the procedure under expert supervision.
✔ 50-70% lower cost than private dental offices
✔ High-quality materials and professional oversight
✔ May take longer than a regular dental visit, but offers major savings
Check accredited dental schools near you for affordable root canal options.
➡ Compare dental school programs at The Patient Marketplace.
3. Ask About Payment Plans & Financing
If you can’t afford to pay for a root canal upfront, many dentists offer monthly payment options to make treatment more manageable.
CareCredit & LendingClub – 0% financing available for qualified applicants
In-house payment plans – Monthly payments with no interest
Third-party lenders – Low-interest loans for dental procedures
Spreading payments over time can make a root canal more affordable.
➡ Find financing-friendly dentists on The Patient Marketplace.
4. Choose a General Dentist Instead of an Endodontist
✔ General dentists charge 20-30% less than root canal specialists (endodontists).
✔ Ask if your case can be handled by a general dentist to lower the cost.
✔ Endodontists are only necessary for complex root canal cases.
Seeing a general dentist could save you hundreds of dollars.
➡ Compare root canal pricing at The Patient Marketplace.
5. Consider an Alternative Treatment If You Can’t Afford a Root Canal
If a root canal is out of your budget, you may need to consider other options:
✔ Tooth Extraction – Costs $75 to $500 (less expensive, but requires a replacement option).
✔ Partial Dentures or Bridges – Cost $300 to $3,500.
✔ Dental Implant (Best Long-Term Option) – Costs $3,000 to $6,000 per tooth.
It’s always better to save the natural tooth with a root canal if possible, but if that’s not an option, discuss alternatives with your dentist.
Real Patient Story: How Mike Saved Over $1,000 on His Root Canal
Mike, a 38-year-old freelancer, needed a molar root canal but couldn’t afford the $1,800 price tag at his local dental office.
Solution? He found an affordable dental provider through The Patient Marketplace, which offered:
✔ A membership plan with a 40% discount
✔ A financing plan with $75/month payments
✔ Original cost: $1,800
✔ Discounted cost with membership: $1,080
✔ Total savings: $720+
➡ Now, Mike has a pain-free tooth and saved big on his treatment!
Like Mike, you can find an affordable root canal by choosing the right provider and membership plan!
Where to Find Affordable Root Canal Treatment Near You
Need a root canal but worried about the cost? The Patient Marketplace connects you with low-cost root canal providers, membership plans, and financing options.
✅ Compare pricing & find trusted dentists
✅ Save 30-60% on your root canal
✅ Find flexible payment plans that fit your budget
➡ Click here to explore affordable root canal options now!
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Costs Without Insurance
Q: How much does a root canal cost without insurance?
A root canal costs between $700 and $2,500 per tooth, depending on the location and complexity.
Q: Can I get a root canal for free?
Some dental schools, nonprofits, and community clinics offer low-cost or free root canals to qualifying patients.
Q: What’s the best way to save money on a root canal?
✔ Use a dental membership plan (save 30-60%)
✔ Visit a dental school for discounted treatment
✔ Ask about financing or payment plans
Q: Where can I find an affordable root canal near me?
Visit The Patient Marketplace to compare affordable root canal providers in your area.
